NAB Young Footballer of the Year contenders

After FFA announced the list of players eligible for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year 2014/15 Award, we look at some of the contenders for the award from each Hyundai A-League club.

In a variation from previous seasons, the age eligibility criteria for the upcoming season has been changed from 21 to 23 year old players which is in line with the FFA’s Olympic Football Program.

As a result, players born after 1st January 1991 will be eligible for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year 2014/15 Award.

Voting will be conducted on a monthly basis with the overall winner drawn from the list of monthly nominees, and announced at the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League 2014/15 Awards Night on Monday 11 May.

The first monthly nominee will be announced next week.

Adelaide United

Awer Mabil – The 19-year-old Young Socceroos attacker is a real excitement machine, possessed with bucket-loads of pace and skill. Has already played 23 Hyundai A-League games, scoring three times.

Brisbane Roar

Brandon Borrello – The teenage striker has loads of potential and a strong eye for goal anywhere around the box. He will certainly be pushing hard for a starting spot in the hope of filling the huge boots of departed striker Besart Berisha.

Central Coast Mariners

Anthony Caceres – Scored one of the goals of last season in the F3 derby. The 22-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder, equally comfortable getting in a crunching challenge as well as starting attacks with his accurate passing.

Melbourne City

Stefan Mauk – The classy Young Socceroos midfielder is one of the brightest youngsters at City. He has already had a small taste of the Hyundai A-League and will only get better learning from the likes of Robert Koren and Damien Duff.

Melbourne Victory

Connor Pain – The 20-year-old winger has the one thing you can’t coach – and defenders hate – which is blistering pace. Needs to add a touch more quality to his final ball but after a strong pre-season is in for a huge 2014/15 campaign.

Newcastle Jets

Mark Birighitti – Got a taste of international football as part of the Socceroos’ initial squad for the recent FIFA World Cup and is destined for plenty more. Will be keen for a huge Hyundai A-League season, especially with the Asian Cup just a couple of months away.

Perth Glory

Daniel De Silva – One of the brightest midfield prospects in the country with sublime vision and touch. The fact he has signed with Italian giants Roma for next Serie A season is proof enough of the 17-year-old’s quality, as was his goal this week in the Westfield FFA Cup.

Sydney FC

Corey Gameiro –Is in the form of his career, carrying a superb pre-season into the early rounds of the A-League with two goals in just three games. He has it all. Lightning pace, an eye for goal and gets through plenty of work for his team-mates.

Wellington Phoenix

Tom Doyle – The 22-year-old former Nike Chance winer has made a strong impression in his first season in the Hyundai A-League. Starting every game so far at left-back.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Daniel Alessi – It’s not just his football ability that’s impressive but Alessi has a strong head on his shoulders for a teenager. Made an impressive Hyundai A-League debut last season at just 16, in a Sydney derby of all games. Has impressed in every chance at senior level.